The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-09-24
GOODNESS 5 MEANNESS
\ STORY FOR GIRLS.
BY MARY CRA n Nj Err.
CHAPTER H.
\ STORY FOR GIRLS.
THE CHOICE.

II the closing remark of the prtced-
ing chapter has made the impression
upon the mind of our reader that Uncle
Joe had been honorcd With Il visit from
celestial being, we now beg permls-
sion to correct it by plain statement
of facts. We believe tha; every angel,
mentioned in the Sacred Writings, ap-
peared in masculine form. Neverthe-
less, for some good reason, TO be found
in the principles of human nature, an
gels have ever been invested with FEM
iniue attributes by the human imagi-
nation. But no angel, male or female,
stood at Uncle Joe's door; on the con-
trary, two very tangible beings OF sub
stantial flesh and blood. One, Mary
Ligwood, was a decided blonde. Col
den hair, in long curls, played around
shoulders of alabastrian whteness,
which any goddess of Roman or Gre
clan mythology might have envied.
Two deep>blue eyes peeped ti,nidly
through long silken lashes, and beamed
with benevolence upon those to whom
they were turned. Her features were
all beautiful. In word, nature had
done for her all it could for 81 mortal.
The other visitor was Belle Brad
leigh, who in physical development
was different from her cousin, for she
was a brunette. The cuticle, though
slightly tinged with brown, was very
clear, denoiipg an organization in eX-
cellent hygienic condition. Her hair
was as black as a raven. Her hazel
eyes betokened fiery soul, and flashed
more with the stronger passions than
the softer affections. They were more
bright and fierce than beautiful. Her
general appearance was better catcu
lated to repel than invite confidence.
And these two young ladies opened
the door of Uncle Joe's cottage, and
approached his bed side With smiles
upon their faces.
"Good morning, GIRLS" said the in
valid with unusual kindness ard cheers
fulness. They both greeted him with
an affectionate ocsulation, which he
rather endured than cOurted.
"Good morning, Uncle Joe, they ex-
claimed in their own peculiar tones.
s'I am glad to see you looking so
well, Uncle" said Belle with as much
concern as it was in her nature 10 man
ifest.
ssDo look we'll, child ?" asked the
old man with frowr. ssSurely you
are not thinking Of what yOu arc say
ing"
Belle slightly colored under the
searching gaze which the invalid fixed
upon her.
"Mary," continued he. turning to
her, edo really look we'll? Tell me-"
s'I am sorry that You do not, Uncle
Jop,' in an afTectionato tone. "But
Belle did not moan that you are in
good health, but only that she was glad
to see you looking as well as you do
that was ALL"
go, that was all, was ." asked Un-
Gle Joe.
eyes, Uncle,' replied Belle, ''of
course, that was what l meant. What
else could 1 mean?"
"I despise tlattery above all things"
said the old man abstracteuly, "and
selishuess next. 1 am glad that you
two are so selfssacrificipg."
"Now, Uncle" said Mary with a
little bird-like laugh, "comc, you are
flattering us, or making sport of US.
What have we ever done to prove that
we are self-sacrificing? I am sure !
have never done anything, and / am
ashamed of myself. But you are TO
blame for not giving us opportunities
to show our dispositions; for you would
never let us love you. You have done
much for me and l want to show my
gratitude somehow, end you never
would let me-"
This was said with SO much sincerity
and earnestncss that Uncle Joe sud
denly turned his eyes upon Mary'a
handsome face and examined her feat
ures more attentivcIy than he had ever
done before.
"You are q pretty girl, Mary, but
don't be foolish about it, said the old
man bluntIy.
"I would rather hear you say that
you love me, than TO call me pretty"
said Mary.
"What makes you think | DO not
love you, child:
"Because you never seem glad when
sorry when we leave. We want to DC
something for you, and you ont Lei
us.''
"There is nothing you can do" ro
piled Uncle Joe.
eyes, there is. Look at this sUilcC
FELLOWSHIP. Where can l get another
l will try TO make yCu feel comfortable
whether you want me to, or not"
nLook in that bureau drawer" sale
Uncle Joe, elf you are so anxious to d,
something for me-"
Mary soon had clean slip on th'
pillow, and then began "lidyiug'
I